Mabamba Wetlands Shoebill Stork Search and head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Mabamba Swamp Bird Watching - Our 16-Day Great Loop Uganda Safari begins as we pick you up at your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala and head for the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a 4-hour drive from Entebbe.
Our first stop is Mabamba Swamp which is the best spot for Shoebill Stork and other water-bird swamp specialist sightings in Uganda. Mambamba Swamp is located along Lake Victoria and is a RAMSAR site.
A fishing boat with an expert birding guide will take you into the swamp along narrow channels to spot the Shoebill Stork.
The Shoebill Stork – Africa’s most sought-after bird can be spotted in the early mornings as he stands still in the swamp looking for lungfish and other prey, his beak swooping down and devouring the fish. You often get close and can get some great photos of the Shoebill Storks. We’re usually done by 10:30 am – 11 am. Continue to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in a 4-hour drive arriving at 3:30 pm. Check into Ziwa Rhinos Guesthouse, with permanent tented cottages.

On-foot Rhino Tracking and move to Gulu town on our way to Kidepo Valley Park

Rhino Fund Uganda - Ziwa Rhinoceros Sanctuary is where you can track the southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained and experienced Uganda Wildlife Rangers will guide you to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit.
You can watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat - 7,000 hectares of land. While at the Sanctuary, you may also encounter a range of other wildlife species, including Uganda Kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many other bird species.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and should not be missed!
Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm, so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is particularly important. The on-foot trek is about 1½ hours, depending on the location of the rhinos. You will need to wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots with woolen socks. You also will need to wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Be sure to wear an effective insect repellent.

Gulu - Once we finish our trek, we will journey towards Gulu town where we will have lunch, dinner, and spend the night. It will take approximately 3 and a half hours to drive north.

Drive to Kidepo Valley Park in the morning and afternoon Game drive

Kidepo Valley National Park - Early Breakfast and we continue our journey to Kidepo Valley Park, arriving here around lunchtime. The journey is through diverse and different terrain than what you have seen thus far in Uganda. This is a region where a few people come to, much less drive to, simply too long of a drive, but those who do venture here on a Safari with us find a park beyond dreams and expectations and are simply astounded by what they discover even during the drive.
You drive through the Karamajong region. The Karamajong are pastoralists who cling to their ancient ways, a culture where cattle is supreme, lots of exciting things to see and do on your way. Lunch along the journey or at your Kidepo lodge - depends on where you stayed the previous night.
Check into the Lodge, have a late lunch, get settled, and become familiar with your surrounding by having a cold drink. Often you will see wildlife near the lodge you have chosen, then an afternoon game drive, which will last until dusk.

Kidepo Valley Park - Game Drives

Kidepo Valley National Park - Game Drives take place in two areas in the park, the wildlife-rich Narus Valley, where it is best to start early in the morning at around 6 am, which is one of the best times to see Lions and other predators returning from the night hunt. There are also Leopards and Cheetahs here, plus various other cats, some of which are only found in Kidepo Valley Park. Kidepo Valley is well-known for its vast buffalo herds, antelopes and some of them unique to the park,
You might even see Spartacus, the nickname of a lion that often sits on a rock like a scene taken from The Lion King, he was recently made famous in photos released by a wildlife photographer who posted his pictures under the title “The real Lion King is found at Kidepo Valley Park.”
Game Drives take 3 hours plus, you have a 4-wheeled drive vehicle with a pop-up roof – a Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger accompanies you – that, along with your knowledgeable Driver Guide, is to point out wildlife to you and for security reasons.

Kidepo Valley National Park - What to do during the morning and afternoon Game drive – enjoy a nap, at least that is what some do, we suggest a book.
During your leisure time after lunch or after the afternoon Game drive, enjoy a Ugandan Waragi with Krest Bitter Lemon, one of our Ugandan Beers, or a Tangawizi – Stoney Soda.
In the afternoon, around 3 pm we take a drive that takes about an hour through the more arid Kidepo Valley to the Kanangorok Hot Springs passes some magnificent landscapes. North of Apoka, beyond the river crossing, the road passes between rock outcrops and hills before descending into the Kidepo Valley, crossing the Kidepo Sand River and traversing open plains that extend past Kanangorok Hot Springs towards mountains across the Sudanese border. This is the part of the park where ostriches are most commonly seen. Wildlife is not as common here as in the Narus Valley but the scenery is well worth the drive.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Kidepo Valley Park – Gulu Town

Kidepo Valley National Park - Breakfast and we visit Karamojong Manyatta with guide, meeting the Cattle Herders – Warrior and get to understand their culture and ways.
Afterwards we drive to Gulu staying overnight at Churchill Courts Hotel

Move to Murchison Falls Park and afternoon Game Drive

Murchison Falls National Park - After Breakfast, we continue our journey to Murchison Falls National Park. We should arrive before lunchtime and check into the lodge we have chosen – and in our case, it’s Pakuba Lodge. The drive is about 3 hours plus here.
Mid-afternoon Game Drive at around 3:30 pm – you will see lots of game right from your lodge before.
Your first wildlife game drive on which we look forward to spotting Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, Birds, various antelopes, and more. This is about 3 hours in length – Sunset here is around 6:45 pm – darkness sets in past 7 pm.

Murchison Park Game, afternoon Nile River Boat Safari and Top of Falls Hike / Excursion

Murchison Falls National Park - Early morning game drive in search of wildlife as the day before in one of Uganda’s best all around-wildlife Parks. Murchison Falls Park has the largest Giraffe Population in Africa and it is thriving with over 1000 in number. The number of elephants is dramatically increasing in number thanks to strict conservation methods and anti-poaching steps that have been taken.

Waterfall Cruises - Murchison Falls - After Lunch, we take the famed boat safari along the River Nile up to the falls and along the slow journey, we see pods of hippos, crocodiles in great numbers, elephant herds, buffaloes, antelopes, monitor lizards, and more.
This is one of the highlights of your time in Murchison Falls Park. The Boat Safari gives you more wildlife, birds, and reptiles than any Game Drive would.
At the bottom of the most powerful waterfall in the world, we disembark and hike up the side of the falls to the top, where we are met by the Driver Guide, and we return to the lodge you have chosen for dinner.
One thing is how quickly the Nile calms down after dropping down the escarpment above.
The foam in the water is not pollution but vegetation that was churned up by the waterfall.

Transfer Kibale Park - The Primate Capital of East Africa - Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking in East Africa

Kibale Forest National Park - Breakfast early, and we move on to Kibale Forest, driving to some beautiful countryside which is a bonus. We provide drinking Water while in the vehicle as we travel. We reach Fort Portal area, where you will have lunch. This is a 7 – 8 hour drive.

Day 4 Chimpanzee Tracking (Trekking) in Kibale Forest and – Bigodi Wetlands – Jungle Swamp Walk

Kibale Forest National Park - Breakfast at Lodge before heading to Kibale Forest Headquarters for the Chimpanzee Tracking activity. The trek is guided, and since there are 13 primate species in the park, one usually finds at least five or six different types of primates.

The forest is truly breathtaking with its natural beauty and rugged terrain. The park is home to a diverse collection of butterflies and exotic birds, making it a wonderful destination for nature lovers. While Chimpanzee tracking is popular, there is much more to enjoy, including the stunning natural environment that provides a haven for wildlife, birds, plants, and trees.

The chimpanzees you will encounter are habituated, meaning they are used to human beings. The Chimpanzee Trek is about 3½ hours in length – minimum age is 15 – there is an alternate activity with Rangers for your children.
Option: Instead of Chimpanzee trekking, where you are with a group of Chimpanzees for one hour, you can be on an all-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary - In the mid-afternoon, we explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a mesmerizing jungle swamp with abundant natural wonders. The guided nature walk takes you through boardwalks made of planks to keep you above the water.

For those passionate about birdwatching, this destination is a must-see. The large blue Turaco is a common bird spotted here. In the afternoon, chimpanzees often come to forage from Kibale Forest, and other monkey species can also be seen.

In addition, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Sitatunga Antelope, a semi-aquatic species with webbed toes that enables it to move around the swampy terrain of the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.
Your guide is a member of the Bigodi community, dedicated to protecting the local swamp and its wildlife. This area is recognized as a UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Eco-Site.

Queen Elizabeth Park – Kasenyi/Mweya Area

Queen Elizabeth National Park - After breakfast, we will embark on a 3-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth Park. Before checking into your preferred lodge, we will take the scenic Explosion Crater Drive. This drive boasts craters and lakes and offers stunning views from the highest point in the lodge. The entire drive takes about 2½ hours, and some of the craters on the route were even featured in National Geographic. You will understand why once you witness the breathtaking sights for yourself.

During this drive, you will have numerous opportunities to capture breathtaking photos. Moreover, the ranger accompanying you will enlighten you about the formation of this section of the park. You can check in at Enganzi Game Lodge, a top-notch mid-range lodge that has always been of high quality for our clients.

Lunch

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Experience the thrill of an afternoon game drive on the vast Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can witness the majestic Lions, Leopards, Elephant Herds, Buffaloes, and antelopes up close. Accompanied by an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger and your driver-guide, you will slowly drive down a game track, taking in all the sights and sounds of the wildlife. With two expert guides on board, you won’t miss a thing during the 2½ to 3-hour game drive. Plus, you’ll have the advantage of a pop-up roof for the best wildlife-viewing experience.

Queen Elizabeth Park - Morning Safari Drive and afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park - You have the option to have breakfast before or after embarking on your second game drive, which typically starts at 6:30 am. Morning game drives offer the opportunity to witness predators returning from their nightly hunts, and the stunning Savannah Sunrise adds to the experience.

One exciting opportunity is the Lion Tracking Research, where you can join researchers in their search for collared lions. This project is in collaboration with the Uganda Carnivore Project and Uganda Wildlife Association. You can also learn about the habits and behaviors of these majestic animals during the experience.

Kazinga Channel - In the afternoon, the Kazinga Channel Boat Safari is the main attraction of any safari trip to Queen Elizabeth Park. This two-hour boat ride offers sightings of a variety of wildlife, birds, and reptiles. You have the option to choose a smaller boat at a higher cost or take the larger Uganda Wildlife Authority boat, both of which provide excellent views of elephants, buffalo herds, antelopes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos, and a multitude of water birds, including large schools of pelicans.
The Kazinga Channel boasts a high number of hippos and is also home to various bird species. Additionally, it is a popular gathering spot for large herds of elephants and buffaloes.

Ishasha -Tree-Climbing Lions – Queen Elizabeth Park - Bwindi

Gorilla Trekking Day - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Breakfast, then a pre-tracking briefing to go over guidelines for you and your safety. The Gorilla trekking begins soon afterward and can be from a short walk to an all-day hike through rough terrain. Typically, it’s 3 - 5 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location on that day, and one hour with them. a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most. (Not for those under 15 years of age).
To ensure comfort on the trek, it’s recommended that you wear light trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy boots, a hat, and a light rain jacket. Some also find it helpful to bring cotton garden gloves to aid in climbing vines or branches. Don’t forget to bring a daypack to carry your essentials.
The driver will assist you in hiring a porter. You can also buy a big walking stick that is handy on the trek. They are available at the lodge or the Gorilla Trailhead.
There are rules of conduct while tracking and they need to be followed for the protection of the Mountain Gorillas and your well-being.

Lake Bunyonyi - We may stay here another night or, about a 2½-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi, for exploration and relaxation. The activities here (at lake Bunyonyi) are optional and not included in the offer.

Don’t miss Scenic Lake Bunyonyi with its countless Things to Do and See

Lake Bunyonyi - As we move toward the end of your safari, take some time to unwind and relax at Safari Lake Bunyonyi. This hidden gem is located in the Gorilla Highlands and often overlooked by visitors to Uganda. It’s definitely worth adding to your list of must-see places.
Please note that the activities available here are not included in the tour cost. You can choose to swim, paddle a dugout canoe, ride in a motorboat, or explore any of the 29 islands. Additionally, hiking, biking, and birdwatching are popular options for those seeking a more active experience.

After trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park, you can enjoy nature walks, village visits, and interactive cultural experiences. What’s more, Lake Bunyonyi stands apart from other lakes in East Africa due to its lack of bilharzia, crocodiles, and hippos. This means you can swim in its crystal-clear waters without any worries.

On our way back to Entebbe, we make a stopover at Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park - The Pearl of Africa Safari slowly comes to an end as we head to Lake Mburo Park. We’ll start our day with an early breakfast before setting off.
Lake Mburo is the ideal spot to take a break during a long journey and is one of the most charming places in Uganda. It takes around 5 hours to drive there, so it’s recommended to depart at 7 am for optimal arrival time. We take a lunch break at Mbarara town.
After lunch, we will resume our journey and reach Lake Mburo. Before checking in, we will embark on a 1½ - 2-hour game drive through the rolling hill Savannah, where you can spot large Eland and other antelopes, Giraffes, Burchell Zebras, and occasional leopards.
Check into Rwakobo Rock Lodge high on a ridge overlooking Lake Mburo Park - delightful cottages, and a swimming pool.
We skip the Boat Ride here because we believe it’s worth it after the previous, more exciting ones. Additionally, we are uncertain if we can meet the minimum number of participants needed at our chosen time.

Lake Mburo Park - Walking Safari – Equator Stop – End of our 16-day Uganda Great Loop Safari Experience

Lake Mburo National Park - After breakfast, we go on Nature Walk with a UWA Ranger to the Saltlick, where lots of Wildlife can be seen. This is a ninety-minute Hike, and there is a Hide at the Salt Lick. You will enjoy the variety of Wildlife you see along the Nature Walk.
After the game drive, we prepare for departure to Kampala – Entebbe.
After lunch, we stop at the Equator, where you can take pictures. Proceed to Kampala – Entebbe arriving late afternoon for departure as our 16-day Uganda Great Loop Safari Experience ends.

• Ground transportation & Airport transfers in a 4X4 pop-up roof safari vehicle & expert driver-guide
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
• All activities listed in the itinerary: game drives, walking safari
• Bwindi Forest Gorilla Trekking Permit
• Nile boat safari at Murchison Park and Kazinga Channel boat safari at Queen Elizabeth Park
• Lodging and all meals as per the safari itinerary
• Visitor entry fees for all parks including the car and driver-guide
• Bottled drinking water on all drives
• Services of an English speaking driver/guide and an armed park ranger
• On-foot Rhino Tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Chimpanzee tracking permit at Kibale Park
• Bigodi Wetlands Swamp Trail and Mabamba Wetlands Shoebill Stork Search
• Top of Falls Hike or Excursion at Murchison Park

• Gratuities
• Fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Personal & Travel insurance
• Laundry

Embrace the journey of a lifetime with our 16-day grand Ugandan safari adventure! Envision yourself being awe-struck by the unique Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Wetlands, assisting the noble cause of rhino preservation at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and reveling in the wild splendor of Kidepo and Murchison Parks. In Kibale Park, get ready to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat, observe lion prides in Queen Elizabeth Park, and undertake a memorable trek to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Park. Finally, unwind at the tranquil Lake Mburo Park.

Our safari isn’t only about observing wildlife; it’s an opportunity to create lasting bonds, collect unforgettable memories, and truly comprehend the heartbeats of Africa. Anticipate marveling at the diverse fauna, immersing yourself in authentic culture, and witnessing landscapes that are sure to leave you speechless. Be prepared to gather memories that will nourish your soul for a lifetime. The magic of Africa is prepared to warmly welcome you.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.